ACCOUNTABILITY!

ACCOUNTABILITY!

Titus 2:7-14

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10 Not purloining [embezzling], but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Rom 14:12

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

          The idea of accountability is that we are – or we voluntarily make ourselves – available for inspection and criticism. We are accountable to God whether voluntarily or involuntarily. We will, without fail, bow our knee and confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the father. It is a divine encounter that will not be excused.

          Grace is our teacher (see verse 11 above) and the course of study is character! What the Law failed to teach in its sternness, grace now teaches in its liberty. The individual subjects are self-denial, seriousness and godliness. The combination of these graces we sometimes call maturity. These things we must learn and keep on learning until graduation day.

          The idea of individual and voluntary accountability is one of the blessed aspects of the church community. As a member of my local church, I make myself available for inspection and correction.  “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. (Acts 2:46-47) Being in one accord and having favor with others is not possible without reciprocal accountability. The Bible is a “mirror” but a church fellowship is like a personal make-up artist assuring that every hair is in place. We are glad for both.

          A lack of accountability forces me to rely only upon self inspection. I am sure to miss a blemish or to excuse a fault that another would challenge. I become lawless because I rely only on my own fallen nature to be my judge. That judge is too soft on my crimes and the punishment too comfortable to bring about serious change.

          Have you given anyone permission to challenge your behavior? Is anyone, other than yourself, watching your speech? Is someone standing by while you count money? Who is making sure that you don’t waste time? Who asks you if you have been reading your Bible and quizzes you about your prayer life? Perhaps you should prayerfully seek out a person of integrity to become your accountability partner.

Dear Lord, make me not only accountable to you but to some trusted person of integrity. AMEN